The aim of this research project has been to examine how autistic adults communicate and interact on social media platforms.

While the importance of online networking in initiating and maintaining social connections for autistic people is well recognised, little is known about whether, and if so how, social media platforms accommodate autistic adults as users. The AAO project used linguistic analysis of social media data and interviews and thematic analysis of workshop conversations with autistic participants to establish autistic needs and preferences in social media interactions.

The study will help inform initiatives that use digital networking technologies to improve the quality of life of autistic adults.

The project runs from December 2020 to June 2023.

For more details about the project and its phases please visit the project page.

To learn more about how autistic adults use and experience social media, you can read personal experiences on our blog page.

You can also find us on Twitter at @Online_Autistic.